The Broader Debate: Protection vs. Freedom
The conversation expanded on Louis Klamroth. Should social media rules focus only on protecting children, or should adults also face restrictions? Federal Education Minister Karin Prien called for strict age controls. Penell, however, dismissed comparisons with alcohol and prostitution as “outrageous.”
Parents Play a Key Role
Former Family Affairs Minister Kristina Schröder emphasized personal responsibility. She argued that parents should decide individually whether their children use social media.
Provocation or Serious Idea?
Penell admitted his proposal was deliberately exaggerated. Yet that exaggeration sparked a larger discussion about social media use across all generations—beyond just children. Whether seen as provocation or a serious suggestion, it has certainly made people think.
